Virginia Closes Transfer Portal Window with Purpose, Depth, and a Clear Vision for 2026
When the transfer portal door slammed shut, Virginia didn’t just quietly walk away - they left with a cart full of key pieces and a roster that looks ready to build on the momentum of their 2025 campaign. Head coach Tony Elliott and his staff had a checklist of needs heading into the final stretch: add depth at receiver, reinforce a depleted secondary, bulk up the defensive interior, and find a real answer at center. Mission accomplished.
Let’s break down what Virginia did, why it matters, and how it sets the table for 2026.
The Big Picture: A Portal-Driven Reload
Virginia’s approach this offseason was clear: use the portal to patch holes, not just fill them. With only 15 high school signees - the smallest class in the ACC - UVA leaned heavily on the transfer market, bringing in 28 new faces. That portal class ranks 5th in the ACC and 29th nationally according to ON3’s adjusted rankings.
Elliott made it known that the 2026 class would be small, with eyes already on a stronger 2027 group. The thinking? Win now, build momentum, and let that success pay dividends on the recruiting trail later.
Wide Receiver Room: Numbers, Roles, and a Key Return
Let’s start with the flashiest part of this final stretch - the wideouts. Virginia lost a significant amount of production from the 2025 roster, so the staff didn’t just make a move here - they made a statement.
Late additions:
- Da’Shawn Martin (Kent State): 6’2”, 170 - Brings vertical ability and size.
- Jacquon Gibson (UMass): 5’11”, 185 - A versatile, reliable target.
- Tyson Davis (Central Michigan): 5’10”, 175 - A true slot receiver with quick-twitch separation skills.
Earlier portal pickup:
- Rico Flores Jr. (UCLA): 6’1”, 195 - A steady, physical presence who adds immediate experience.
And maybe the biggest win?
- Kameron Courtney withdrew from the portal and is staying in Charlottesville.
That’s four real contributors added to a room that needed bodies and skill sets. There’s now a mix of size, speed, and experience - and enough depth to weather the inevitable injuries that come with a long season.
Secondary: A Back-End Overhaul with Star Power
If there’s one position group that can change a defense overnight, it’s the secondary. And Virginia didn’t hold back here. The Cavaliers brought in a trio of late additions, including two of their highest-rated portal pickups.
Headliners:
- S Brandyn Hillman (Michigan): 6’1”, 190 - A high-upside safety with Big Ten experience and a physical edge.
- CB Omillio Agard (Wisconsin): 5’10.5”, 160 - Quick, instinctive, and battle-tested.
- S Jalen McNair (Buffalo): 5’9”, 165 - Undersized but savvy, with a nose for the ball.
Earlier additions that round out the group:
- CB Jacobie Henderson (Rutgers): 6’0”, 183
- S Christian Ellis (Virginia Tech): 6’0”, 183
- CB Jaylen Jones (Georgia State): 6’2”, 185
- CB Justin Ross (Navy): 6’2”, 185
This is no longer a thin unit hoping to survive - it’s a competitive room with real depth. Not every guy will start, and that’s the point. There’s now a battle for playing time, and that’s how secondaries sharpen.
Trench Work: Building Inside-Out
Virginia’s 2025 success was rooted in trench play, and the staff made sure to keep that identity intact.
Defensive interior additions:
- Jonathan Allen (UAB): 6’3”, 230 - Undersized but explosive, likely used situationally.
- Darrion Henry-Young (Coastal Carolina): 6’4”, 264 - Brings length and athleticism.
- Zion Wilson (East Carolina): 6’3”, 318 - A space-eater with upside, added earlier in the cycle.
On the offensive side, UVA had already made a splash with Alex Payne (USC), a former 4-star tackle who brings size and polish at 6’5”, 265. But the big question was center - and they answered it by adding Ryan Brubaker (South Carolina), a 6’6”, 304-pound interior lineman with starting potential.
Whether Brubaker locks in at center or allows someone else to slide over, the addition gives Virginia flexibility and insurance. That kind of stability up front raises the floor for the entire offense.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Outlook and Beyond
Recruiting Class Grade: B+
This is a veteran roster built to compete right now. The portal class addressed every critical need and added depth across the board. It’s not just about plugging holes - it’s about creating competition and options.
Portal Execution: A-
Virginia didn’t just fill out the roster - they did it with purpose. The wide receiver room got both numbers and role fits.
The secondary added proven experience and athleticism. The interior lines got deeper.
And they found a legitimate option at center. The only thing keeping this from an A+ is the lack of a true headline-grabbing name like some of their ACC peers pulled in.
High School Recruiting: C
This is where the long-term questions come in. The high school class was small and finished last in the ACC rankings.
That’s not ideal, but it was by design. The real test comes in 2027.
If UVA can parlay on-field success into stronger high school recruiting, then the portal becomes a supplement - not the foundation.
Final Word
Virginia’s staff didn’t just navigate the portal - they worked it with clarity and control. The roster is better today than it was a month ago, and the positions that needed help most got it.
This is a team that looks ready to take another step in 2026. And if the long-term vision holds, it could be the bridge to something even bigger down the road.